E! Online reports that, when asked about the pair at a press conference, the 37-year-old argued: "I think if someone's job is a comedian, and they say something, in the analysis of the content of their statement, you should recall that they're a comedian.

"I've noticed that people have removed [the fact that they're comedians] from the analysis to create this storm of condemnation."

He added: "I don't know what Dane Cook and Daniel Tosh said, but I know they are comedians and they are nice human beings. So I can't imagine they had any intention other than eliciting laughter from their fellow human beings, as is their job.

"I don't think you should create a state where you're afraid to talk. That could have much worse consequences."

Brand was speaking on a press tour for his FX stand-up show Brand X with Russell Brand.